Raiders 101 provides 24/7 obsessive sports coverage of the Oakland Raiders as a part of Sports Media 101. For news,
op/ed, game reviews, team updates and even rumors you will find all of it on Raiders 101. Have an opinion - join
the discussion and drop a comment. If it's about the Raiders, it's on Raiders 101.

Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei did not participate in Monday's defensive linemen session of the NFL combine after an echocardiogram found a heart condition. He will travel back to Utah for a second opinion. With the Oakland Raiders in the market for defensive line help in the 2013 NFL Draft, Lotulelei was a viable target for their first round pick.

The 6-4, 320 pound Lotulelei was a two time All Pac 12 selection and All American selection, who recorded 22.5 tackles for loss in his Utah career. He added seven sacks in 38 games and forced three fumbles in 2012, while making four recoveries. The medical tests will determine his draft status and if he is able to complete his pro day.

Despite Lotulelei being unable to participate, the Raiders were able to see other defensive players Monday at the NFL combine. With Richard Seymour becoming an unrestricted free agent and defensive tackle Tommy Kelly a potential cap causality, Oakland has needs along the defensive line. Florida defensive tackle Sharif Floyd has emerged as another Raiders target. Although he did not perform all the drills, Floyd ran a 4.92 forty yard dash and leaped 30 inches in the vertical jump. The 6-3, 297 pound prospect also completed the broad jump at 106 inches. He will be among the players Oakland looks at with the third overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Linebacker is another area the Raiders will look to fill in the NFL Draft or free agency. Philip Wheeler is an unrestricted free agent and former first round pick Rolando McClain had several issues in 2012. Although Jarvis Jones, who did not take part in the combine, is the top linebacker available, the Raiders may look at some players in the third round and later. Two players who could be in that range performed well Monday in combine drills. Georgia's Cornelius Washington was a top performer running a 4.55 forty yard dash and putting up 36 reps of 225 pounds during the bench press. The 6-4, 265 pound outside linebacker is known as a pass rusher and best suited for a 3-4. North Carolina's inside linebacker Kevin Reddick could be a second day selection who the Raiders may pursue. The 6-1, 243 pound linebacker ran a 4.72 forty yard dash and amassed 23 reps on the bench press.

Leave a Reply

Hall of Famer Al Davis took over the failing Raiders franchise in 1963, leading the team to a 10-4 record for the season and leading to Davis being named as Heado Coach of the Year by the Associated Press, Sports Illustrated, United Press International, Sports News and his fellow coaches.